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Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Skyfall' & 'Lincoln'

Skyfall
Skyfall (credit: Columbia Pictures)

 
(KCBS) – KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews the 23rd installment of the James Bond series "Skyfall" starring Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem and Dame Judi Dench. Jan also reviews Steven Spielberg's epic, "Lincoln" starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn and Tommy Lee Jones.

KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:

 
SKYFALL (PG-13)

This is the latest of the James Bond movies, with the perfectly cast Daniel Craig as 007.

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But, this time Bond's loyalty to M is tested, especially as she ordered his possible death outside of Istanbul. M (Judi Dench) is a major character in this movie as her past comes back to haunt her in the form of a bizarre, vicious former agent (Javier Bardem.)

NEW SKYFALL INTERNATIONAL TRAILER by James Bond 007 on YouTube

There's a seriousness and lack of fun, from hard drives and tech wizards to a Bond who looks very sober and unhappy most of the time. The good news is the cinematography, a great song by Adele and always watch-able actors from Dench to the underutilized Bardem to Ralph Fiennes and Craig. Just a little more light into the darkness of villains and international crime next time.

Three hats.

 

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Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln"
Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" (credit: DreamWorks)

 
LINCOLN (PG-13)

Director Steven Spielberg took one episode in the life of Lincoln and drew us into the story and the man: it was Lincoln getting Congress to vote yes on the 13th Amendment, ending slavery while simultaneously ending the Civil War. At the same time, he was dealing with a proposal for a negotiated peace from the South.

Lincoln Trailer by lincolnmovie on YouTube

Written by Tony Kurshner, based on the book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin, the film is anchored by a remarkable, believable performance by Daniel Day Lewis. Instead of a caricature, we meet a man filled with backwoods humor, sorrow and all the complications of humanity. He's given great support by a fine cast, including Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones.

Four hats.

 

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You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
 

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